Kerala is blessed with unique geographical features
and lush tropical landscape. Kerala, lacking historic
monuments prevalent elsewhere in India, has the advantage
of attracting people with its palm-fringed beaches,
backwaters, the hills in which are nestled the spice
and tea plantations.
Cochin has been an important trading port since ancient
times and today it is the commercial and industrial
capital of Kerala. A visit to Cochin enriches one about
the historical and cultural past of Kerala. Some of
the major attractions of the city are the Dutch Palace,
Jewish Synagogue, Jewish town whose by-lanes that wind
around offer charming sights of houses built in Dutch,
Portuguese and British styles, Fort Kochi, St. Francis
Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Dutch Cemetery, the Chinese
Nets, Willingdon Island.
Situated at an altitude of 1,524m and set amid dramatic
mountain scenery in what was once known as the High
Range of Travancore, the hill town of Munnar is the
commercial centre of some of the world's highest tea
growing estates. It has a cool bracing climate exuding
an old-world charm and the atmosphere is fragrant with
extensive tea and cardamom plantations. The enchanting
high ranges, craggy peaks, lakes and streams and the
crisp mountain air makes it an ideal retreat. The highest
peak of South India, Anaimudi or the Elephant's Head
peak (2,695m) is only a short distance from here and
Munnar serves as a good base for treks to the peak.
Munnar offers good opportunities for bird watchers as
the green slopes of Munnar and the dense forests in
the folds of the hills offer varied, protected, habitats
for feathered species.
Periyar is South India's most popular wildlife sanctuary.
Covering an area of 777 sq. km with a 26 sq. km artificial
lake, created by the British in 1895, the Periyar Lake
was formed by a dam across the Periyar River. This tropical
forest reserve has all the major birds, animals as well
as flora, It is home to bison, antelopes, sambar, wild
boar, monkeys, langur and a variety of birds, elephants
and of course the tiger. Also known for the best quality
Indian spices, the whole atmosphere is full with the
aroma of high quality spices.
Kovalam, situated 16 km south of Trivandrum, is a sheltered
bay endowed with unusual beauty. This internationally
renowned beach resort has been a favourite haunt of
tourists since the 1930s. This natural bay is a safe
sea-pool, free from high waves. Kovalam consists of
three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost, known
as the Lighthouse Beach, is the most popular. The small
palm fringed bays separated by rocky headlands, pale
sands, gentle surf and lush green lawns compel the visitor
to overstay in Kovalam. The surf here is ideal for surf
riding and the water invites the visitors to ride the
"Catamaran" or log with the fisherman or to
take a cool swim. There are many Ayurvedic treatment
centres and resorts in Kovalam. There is also the Beach
Centre of Water sports.
